Accident Causation and Investigation Techniques

Accident
-An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally,
typically resulting in damage or injury.
Accident Causation
-Accident causation refers to the factors that are the primary reasons behind
an accident.
Most widely used Theories of Accident Causation
1. Domino theory
- According to Heinrich, an "accident" is one factor in a sequence that
may lead to an injury. The factors can be visualized as a series of dominoes
standing on edge; when one falls, the linkage required for a chain reaction is
completed. Each of the factors is dependent on the preceding factor.
2. Human Factors Theory
- The premise here is that human errors cause accidents. These errors
are categorized broadly as: Overload - The work task is beyond the capability
of the worker 1. Includes physical and psychological factors 2. Influenced by
environmental factors, internal factors, and situational factors. Inappropriate
worker response - To hazards and safety measures (workers fault) - To
incompatible work station (management, environment faults). Inappropriate
activities - Lack of training and misjudgment of risk but the structure of this
theory is still a cause/effect format.
3. Accident/incident theory
-Extension of human factors theory. Here the following new elements
are introduced: Ergonomic traps These are incompatible work stations, tools
or expectations (management failure) Decision to err Unconscious or
conscious (personal failure) Systems failure. Management failure (policy,
training, etc.)
4. Epidemiological Theory
Epidemiology
This field studies relationship between environmental
Factors and disease
Can be used to study causal factors in a relationship
Two key components:
1. Predisposition characteristics
Tendencies may predispose worker to certain actions
2. Situational characteristics
peer pressure, poor attitude, risk taking
Together these characteristics can cause or prevent accidents
That a person predisposed to a given situation or condition may
Succumb to.

5. Systems Theory
- In the system theory of causation the root cause could be a person ,
machine , environment, interaction can cause a problem so you need to collect
the information of what you can do and what you cant do, to prevent a
problem from happening. Weigh risk, Again there is no project that is risk free
but what you have to do is reduce the amount of risk and its likelihood as
much as possible. Make decision based on the information that is collected
and based on the risk prioritization and its probability of happening and finally
define the task to be performed based on these process.
6. Combination Theory
- Combination theory is a theory wherein there is often a degree of
difference between any theory of accident causation and reality, the actual
cause may combine parts of several different models as it appears on its name
combination theory.
7. Behavioral Theory

Often referred to as behavior-based safety (BBS)

7 basic principles of BBS
Intervention
Identification of internal factors
Motivation to behave in the desired manner
Focus on the positive consequences of appropriate behavior
Application of the scientific method
Integration of information
Planned interventions

- This theory of accident causation & prevention is often referred to as

behavior-based safety (BBS). Has seven basic principles: Intervention that is
focused on employee behavior. Identification of external factors that will help
understand and improve employee behavior. Direct behavior with activators
or events antecedent to the desired behavior. Focus on the positive
consequences from the desired behavior as a way to motivate employees.
Application of the scientific method to improve attempts at behavioral
interventions. Use of theory to integrate information rather than to limit
possibilities. Planned interventions with the feelings and attitudes of the
individual employee in mind.
 Investigation Techniques

-There are laws and regulations that require the investigation and
reporting of certain types of accidents. Insurance requirements also lead to
many Accident Investigations as do potential claims at common law.
However, from an Occupational Health & Safety point of view, the main
aim of Accident Investigations is not to fulfil these legal and insurance
obligations, but rather to prevent recurrences of the same or similar
accidents.
Every incident investigation involves these 5 key steps:
1. Initial Response
-Initial response is about taking control of the scene, avoiding secondary
accidents and obtaining medical treatment. The sooner you can get to the
scene the better.

2. Gathering Information
- This is the point where you should start gathering evidences from the
incident. The goal is to look for the cause of the workers injury and the
factors that led to the incident, things such as the task and procedure being
used at that time, the materials and equipment being used at the time , the
worker or workers involved and the managements role. Look at all the
factors that led to the incident carefully and objectively because the main
aim is to help ensure there are no future incidents.

3. Analyzing data and determining causes

-An analysis involves examining all the facts, determining what
happened and why. All the detailed information gathered should be
assembled and examined to identify what information is relevant and what
information is missing. The information gathering and analysis are actually
carried out side by side. As the analysis progresses, further lines of enquiry
requiring additional information will develop.
4. Determining / initiating actions and writing reports
- The investigation is concluded when all outstanding issues have
been closed out and the findings have been communicated so that lessons
can be shared. Communication mechanisms include formal incident
investigation reports, alerts, presentations and meeting topics.

5. Follow up

- It is a must to make sure that the worker or workers that are involved
in the incident are taken care of. Families or relatives of the worker/ workers
involved in the incident must be notified as soon as possible.